What does Romans 6:10 mean?

Explanation

Romans 6:10 discusses the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, focusing on the significance of His death and resurrection.

The verse communicates two main ideas: first, that Christ died to sin once and for all, which signifies a complete and final sacrifice for sins; and second, that His resurrected life is lived in relation to God, indicating His triumph over death and sin.

The verse emphasizes that Christ's death was a singular, historical event that achieved a lasting effect, doing away with the need for repeated sacrifices. It also indicates that in His resurrected life, Christ serves as an example for believers to follow, living a life wholly dedicated to God.

Historical Context

Romans is an epistle written by the apostle Paul to the Christian community in Rome around 57 A.D.

The church in Rome was composed of both Jewish and Gentile converts to Christianity, which often led to theological and cultural tensions.

Romans 6 is part of a larger discourse on the implications of salvation through Christ and addresses issues of sin, grace, and sanctification.

Paul is focused on contrasting the believer's former state under the dominion of sin with their new life in Christ.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives focus on various aspects of this verse.

From a traditional Christian standpoint, it affirms the doctrine of the atonement, suggesting that Christ's death was a substitutionary sacrifice for humanity's sins.

Calvinist theology stresses the finality of Christ's sacrifice and its efficacy for all of the elect, indicating that the benefits of His death apply to those whom God has predestined for salvation.

Arminian theology, while agreeing on the one-time efficacy of Christ's sacrifice, emphasizes the choice of the individual believer to accept and persevere in salvation provided by that sacrifice.

Liberation theology might view this as a victory over the systemic sins of oppression and injustice, highlighting the liberating power of Christ's resurrection.

Practical Applications

This verse encourages believers to view their own lives as mirroring Christ's, living in devotion to God and rejecting sin.

Christians can be inspired by this verse to understand that the power of sin has been defeated and they can lead lives of righteousness. It also offers comfort in emphasizing that salvation is not dependent on repetitive sacrifices or deeds since Christ's death was sufficient.

Cross-References

• Romans 6:6: "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin."
• Hebrews 10:10: "By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."
• 1 Peter 3:18: "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:"
• 1 Corinthians 15:22: "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive."

Language Study

In studying the original Greek language of Romans 6:10:

• "Died" (Greek: "apethanen"): This term is in the aorist tense in Greek, indicating a completed action.
• "Unto sin" (Greek: "tē hamartia"): This phrase refers to the realm or power of sin.
• "Once" (Greek: "ephapax"): This word emphasizes the singularity and finality of Christ's death.
• "Liveth" (Greek: "zē"): This term is present tense, indicating ongoing action, Christ currently lives.
• "Unto God" (Greek: "tō theō"): This suggests a new relationship or orientation toward God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this verse to other ancient myths, one could look at figures like the dying and rising gods in various mythologies (e.g., Osiris in Egyptian mythology, or Dionysus in Greek mythology).

However, in Christian theology, Christ's death and resurrection are unique events, not cyclical as in some myths, and they have universal, salvific significance rather than being primarily symbolic of natural cycles.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives might explore the historical claims of the resurrection or the effects of beliefs in an afterlife on human behavior and society.

Some studies in psychology have shown that belief in a life beyond death can significantly affect ethical behavior and social dynamics.

Commentaries

Many biblical scholars and theologians have commented on Romans 6:10:

• John Stott notes the radical change from Jesus' death to life represents the believer's transformation from a life in sin to a life in God.
• F.F.

Bruce highlights that Christ's once-for-all death to sin implies that those who are in Christ are also to regard themselves as dead to sin's appeal and power.

• Douglas Moo emphasizes the decisive break with sin that Christ's death represents and the new life believers have through His resurrection.
• N.T.

Wright discusses the corporate dimension, suggesting that Jesus' death and life reshape the whole of humanity's relation to God through a new covenant community.